The history of Memorial Day
By Stephanie Winslow
Special to The Star-Herald
Memorial Day is a very important holiday, and as most holidays do, it has history behind it.
Mem-orial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. It was first called Memorial Day in 1882. By the 20th century, it was a day to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.
In Charleston, S.C. on May 1, 1865, was the first Memorial Day-type observance. Other events were held in 183 cemeteries in 27 states in 1868. Michigan was the first state to make “Decoration Day” an official state holiday in 1871. By 1890, every other northern state did the same.
On June 28, 1968, a bill was passed by Congress to change it from its original date to the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day is a very important holiday, and is a wonderful day to honor fallen soldiers.
Stephanie Winslow, 14, of Chapman is an eighth-grader at Presque Isle Middle School. She is a Cadette Girl Scout in Troop 677. This is her eighth year in Girl Scouting. In celebration of the 100th year of Girl Scouting, all Girl Scout members are challenged to complete 100 acts of community service as part of the Centennial Patch Program. Winslow chose to write a 100-word editorial about something she feels strongly about.
